Former Olympian and Others Give Back to BWH Through Team Stork

At just 25 years old, Sarah Parsons has already achieved some of her lifelong dreams. She was part of the U.S. Women’s Hockey team at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where she won a bronze medal, as well as a gold medalist at the Women’s World Hockey Championship in 2009.

On Monday, Parsons, who received lifesaving treatment at BWH’s NICU when she was born, hopes to achieve another milestone and complete the Boston Marathon. As part of BWH’s Team Stork, she has raised much-needed funds for the NICU and BWH programs that promote healthier babies and moms at BWH.

“I’m passionate about Team Stork and the Brigham,” said Parsons. “The hospital has been a big part of my life since the day I was born.”

Parsons is one of the many Team Stork members who have a special connection to BWH.

Rebecca and Dennis Brown were inspired to join Team Stork because of their own NICU experience with their son, Caden, who turned 1 year old last November.

“Our doctor and nurses were fantastic,” said Rebecca, about her care before, during and after giving birth at BWH.

Dennis added: “We couldn’t be more excited to give back to the Brigham in this way.”

Katie Siwy is another runner who will be lacing up her sneakers on Marathon Monday. She jumped at the chance to join Team Stork when she heard about its mission, but other signs were already pointing her in BWH’s direction.

“My friend ran with the Brigham last year and absolutely loved it,” said Siwy, a pediatric burn occupational therapist at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. “I also know several moms who had their babies here, and it was the most wonderful experience for them. I felt it would be an honor to use my own health and wellness to run for such an important cause.”

So far, Siwy’s Team Stork experience has exceeded her expectations: “Having that sense of community really gets you through the long training runs—especially on the incredibly cold days! The camaraderie is amazing.”